Corroboration-Based Interviewing Training Services for USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS)

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS), has a requirement for Corroboration-Based Interviewing (CBI™) Training Services. USCIS anticipates awarding a purchase order for eight (8) customized, three-day, in-person training courses during the period of performance. Each course shall support up to twenty-four (24) FDNS participants.

The required training shall be tailored to the USCIS FDNS investigative, screening, fraud detection, national security, and adjudicative support environment. The training shall provide evidence-based instruction and practical application in investigative interviewing methods, including interview planning and strategy, cooperation building, credibility assessment, evidence disclosure, questioning strategies, information management, communication, memory, and techniques for eliciting reliable information.

Course content shall include, at a minimum, interviewer mindset and demeanor, proactive versus reactive interviewing, productive and unproductive questions, topic funnels, cooperation assessment concepts, trust-building, effective introductions, social dynamics, communication, credibility assessment, myths about detecting deception, limitations of non-verbal cues, verbal indicators, cognitive approaches to detecting deception, stages of memory, memory errors, evidence disclosure planning, evidence framing, strategic opportunities to further the interview, and strategies for mitigating uncooperative behavior.

The training shall include instructor-led demonstrations, scenario-based activities, frequent practical exercises, and individualized participant feedback. The contractor shall provide qualified instructors with experience in investigative interviewing, evidence-based interviewing methods, law enforcement investigations, workplace investigations, legal psychology, or related fields. The anticipated instructional model includes three (3) in-person instructors and one (1) virtual instructor, or an equivalent instructional staffing model approved by USCIS FDNS.

Training will be delivered at USCIS-designated locations, which may include USCIS Headquarters, USCIS field locations, USCIS training facilities, or other Government-approved locations. Final training dates and locations will be coordinated after award between the Contracting Officer’s Representative and contractor personnel. USCIS will provide or coordinate access to training facilities. Anticipated facility needs include one main lecture room, three smaller breakout rooms, audiovisual capability, and internet access if required for instruction or virtual instructor participation.

The contractor shall provide all course materials necessary to conduct the training and coordinate with USCIS FDNS regarding training dates, locations, participant rosters, facility requirements, and logistics. Post-training case consultation or coaching may be included if provided as part of the contractor’s standard course package.